Forum

It’s not going away… Over the weekend thousands of Australians rallied in support of same-sex marriage. Liberal MPs rueful at the farce of Tony Abbott’s stone-walling, might reflect on what a conscience vote really means. Individuals can vote freely on certain issues because of particular beliefs they hold – usually cultural or religious.

Tony Abbott has exercised his conscience, in order to disallow others from exercising theirs, as if in mockery of the very concept. This highlights the fatal flaw with conscience: if everyone acted on conscience we would have a country of 24 million Tony Abbott’s demanding respect for their own views. We’d never agree on anything and yet, some opponents of gay marriage insist the consciences of all Australians must be preserved under the guise of religious liberty. If we grant any credence to the “conscience” of one person, unaccompanied by evidence or argument, we devalue the objective good reasons why policies are implemented.

Of the 33 conscience votes in the Federal parliament many have been perceived as issues of principle. These include the abolition of the death penalty, euthanasia, sex discrimination and human embryo cloning. A vote occurred in 1973, when John Gorton proposed that homosexual acts in private should not be subject to the criminal law, and also in 1974, when the Family Law Bill allowed no-fault divorce. Decades later we look back at these two changes as measures of our progress, rather than matters of principle. Once we have moved on, the reasons for their adoption seem so obvious and apparent that we wonder why it took so long. One suspects we’ll see same-sex marriage in much the same way in 20 years.

Notwithstanding, the thwarting of the conscience vote for Coalition MPs provides a ray of hope for the stalwarts against change. If the leaders of our country can meet for a marathon six hours, hear from 90 speakers, and still resolve to do nothing it’s a good sign for the status quo. But unfortunately for them, the debate is de-facto already lost.

“De-facto” refers to holding a position in fact but not necessarily by legal right. As such, de-facto couples have the same rights in fact to marriage couples, and legal disputes are arbitrated on how “marriage-like” the relationship is. The laws on de-facto couples were changed in 2009 allowing same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.

Ah, but won’t marriage-equality opponents say there’s a big difference between a de-facto couple and a married couple?

No. They try to placate the forces for change by arguing equal rights already exist (see Rowan Dean). Also, note the following quote from senior fellow at Australian Catholic University, Kevin Donnelly:

25 May 2015: KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter today dubbed the Government’s proposal to remove the restrictions on cabotage in Northern Australia as potentially sabotaging domestic airlines and safety.

Cabotage is the carriage by international airlines of domestic passengers and freight between cities within another country and is restricted in most countries around the world.

Mr Katter said today that the Government’s proposal to unilaterally remove the restrictions on cabotage in Northern Australia would compromise Australian industry and jobs, with no benefit in return.

“Canberra is announcing they’re looking at cabotage, but I think they’re looking at sabotage.

“We only have one airline flying between Cairns and Townsville, and obviously if their competitor is paying their staff half of what Qantas is paying their staff, then they will break Qantas.

Aries

The center of attention is your favorite place. You're so comfortable with everybody's eyes on you that you don't need to rehearse. Extensive training meets spontaneous guesswork. When your thoughts are too big for your brain, their only way out is through words and actions. Your performance is awesome to behold and it affects the life of at least one other person profoundly. Maybe you sweep many others off their feet, since you're not stingy once you get started. Actual change may be temporary, but the memory of it lingers forever. They'll be talking about your good day for years to come.

Taurus

Fine-tuning escapes you. Reasonable paths are lost to your feet. Try as you might to stay on course, you're all activity and no results. Where did this manic haste come from? It's completely against your nature. The stars are playing with you -- or maybe the source of the trouble is closer to home. Identify the people that can stir you up and avoid them at all costs. They know too well that, unless you slow down, the only thing you'll make is a mess. Your logic and dignity will win in the end.

Gemini

You're beyond motivated. Instead, you're somewhere between driven and obsessed. It's almost as though your ideas are turning themselves into action. This could be fun at first, but it could also trap you in a cycle that may be hard to escape once it wears you out. Make a list and stick to it. That way, you won't become too scattered. If you're alone, you won't be as tempted to start more than you can finish. However, if others are collaborating or egging you on, you can get away with spreading yourself a lot thinner.

Cancer

You don't always like to plan ahead. However, if you insist on being spontaneous now, you'll end up paying for it almost immediately. Living at the mercy of external forces gets old fast. If you ever spent time as a waiter, you have some experience with the diplomatic art of taking absurd orders. Smiling and agreeing with authority figures make them feel as if they're on top of the world and that's good for you. Subtly put your own spin on the proceedings. Continuations and conclusions are highly favored over beginnings.

Leo

It's a good time to be in your world. You deserve to spend the day playing. Understand, however, that you may not find many playmates. Few people want to compete on your level, even when you try to reassure them that you're only looking for equals. What can you do when your energy level is too high for them to handle? If you end up alone, there's certainly no lack of things to keep you busy. Set goals for yourself. Break your own record. If you're tired of the same old thing, channel this amazing vigor into learning something new.

Virgo

You've seen what natural forces can do to some of your cosmic neighbors. Now it's your turn to face the winds of conflict or the waters of chaos. Whatever comes along, you know that it's going to unsettle your routine. But is that really so bad? You can take an outsider's view of financial or material issues. If somebody else has a problem, you might even be the one to solve it. Step out of the traditional victim's role. Laugh in the face of greed and shrug off the desire for revenge. Above all else, you're highly reasonable.

Libra

You're doing great, so what's their problem? You could cut the tension here with a knife. If others are having a hard time, don't aggravate them with jokes or a superior attitude. Their struggle might become yours if you're not careful. Unresolved issues are just more fuel for the fire that you should be containing or extinguishing. Compromise may be your only logical choice. You don't have to like it, but you'd help yourself a lot if you tried. Teaching your neighbors how to smile is the best gift that you could give them right now.

Scorpio

Push your desire out of the picture before it makes trouble for you. Once passion forces your hand, you lose the element of surprise, to say nothing of your reputation for brilliant subtlety. The stars drive you to do what you want, not what you should be doing. If your gains balance out your losses, consider yourself lucky. In the end, you might arrive at the same place via an unusual route. And now that you're here, the party can really begin. People want to know how your day is going. You have a story or two to tell them.

Sagittarius

Everything you hoped for is happening, except that it's even better than you thought it would be. You came for the drama. Instead, there's so much action that you barely have time to watch the story unfold. By just casually sniffing around to see what's what, you pick up the scent of something irresistible and it leads you along a twisting path of discovery. The rewards are immediate and amazing. Anything that you learn can be used in your favor, not only now, but for years to come. Considering the price of admission, this turned out to be an excellent deal.

Capricorn

Self-discovery happens when you least expect it. You understand why you like what you like, although that might take some of the fun out of it. Your routine may never be the same after you risk going outside its boundaries. Now that your curiosity is piqued, there's no turning back. Making an obvious choice drives you to use it in innovative ways. Haphazard methods aren't for you. You need to be thorough if this will lead you anywhere close to a satisfactory conclusion. Once you explore every nook and cranny, you'll be ready to share what you know.

Aquarius

Your opinion carries weight. For reasons that you can't explain, those around you are listening with fresh ears, even though you're still saying what you've always said. Let them dig deeply into your words and appreciate your insight. After all this time, a dose of respect feels just fine. The strength and authority of your message lets you imagine what absolute power must feel like -- but don't get too carried away. You're not the only one with an opinion. Let somebody else get a few words in without making him or her compete for space. Listen as well as talk.

Pisces

Don't let anyone sell you a bill of goods, because it might turn out to be nothing more than a bushel of red herrings. Think on your feet and fight facts with facts. Avoid fast-talking people who claim to have a sincere interest in your financial health. Even when honorable types encourage you to do the math, write it down on paper. Basic assumptions may be called into question during some future moment of review. Those who depend on you appreciate the care that you're taking. It's good to be vigilant when the laws of the world aren't always apparent.